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Trans Talk 22h
Wanting to start T soon, what are the pros and cons of gel versus shots?
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7
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Anonymous 20h

shots are actually easier for me since my insurance had no issues covering it, unlike gel where i've called them and my doctor at least ten times and gotten six different prescriptions. also they're super useful for stocking up on t which gel is horrible for. if i hadn't have had some t oil left when i switched to gel, i would've gone a week without t while they sorted out the prescription.

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Anonymous 21h

I was on shots for about five years before switching to gel, and while gel is easier, I can’t comment on if changes happen at a different rate since second puberty happened with shots. My levels seemed lower on the gel but that might be individual based on poor application by me. Blood/muscle/fat might just be a more reliable way of taking your dose but ask a provider or research!

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Anonymous replying to -> #2 20h

also it's annoying to do another daily medication for me on top of every other one i already do. however gel is good right now since i have scar tissue buildup in my stomach since i didn't rotate sites properly. tbh im looking into testopel. t pills would be a cool option but not a good fit for me.

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Anonymous replying to -> #2 18h

I didn’t even know t pills were an option!

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 17h

yeah they used to have ones but they hurt your liver, but now they have new ones which don't hurt your liver bc you eat them with fat so it processes differently (i think). also we used to have t patches but alas they were also discontinued, at least in the US. super cool though

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Anonymous replying to -> #2 17h

pro tips on t: if you have a reaction to injections, it's very likely you're allergic to the carrier oil it's in and will be switched to a different one. you can get long-acting injections (like Aveed) which with patient assistance programs may be net cheaper for you but also can cause mood swings at beginning or end of doses. the 1.62% gel is way better than 1% imo since there's just less of it to apply. and take voice diaries.

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Anonymous replying to -> #2 15h

Thank you sm this is amazing advice!!

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